Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering: Pre-Med Emphasis

Q: Is biomedical engineering a good choice for pre-med?

Yes, it blends rigorous science with problem-solving and design, giving pre-med students a systems view of patient care. You’ll connect physiology to devices, data and clinical workflows while strengthening analytical reasoning and teamwork. Explore the core BS in Biomedical Engineering program to understand the full academic pathway.

Q: What skills will I develop that apply to both healthcare and engineering careers?

You can build a well-rounded set of abilities that support both engineering and healthcare pathways, including systems thinking, quantitative analysis, programming, technical writing and professional communication. You’ll also practice reasoning, collaboration, reliability testing and risk awareness, all of which are skills valued in clinics, labs and product teams.

Q: How does this pre-med biomedical engineering program engage and incorporate AI?

GCU introduces AI as a modern tool for engineering problem-solving, helping you understand how emerging technologies influence biomedical design and data evaluation. You’ll practice using AI in analytical tasks while learning the ethical and professional expectations that guide responsible use in healthcare and engineering settings. The curriculum emphasizes when AI in higher education can support decision‑making and when human expertise, judgment and verification remain essential.

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Degree Level

Bachelor's

Class Setting

Campus

Area of Study

Engineering

Program

BS in Biomedical Engineering Emphasis in Pre-Med

Current Education Level

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High School Graduation Year

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High School Name

Country

United States

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Overview

Design Biomedical Solutions That Advance Patient Care

Prepare to approach healthcare with an engineer’s mindset and a servant’s purpose. This pre-med emphasis combines multidisciplinary design with anatomy and physiology to help you understand, model and improve human health systems. You’ll study biomechanics, biomaterials and biocompatibility, biomedical instrumentation and imaging, and tissue engineering while building skills in math, natural sciences and programming.

Designed for students interested in hands-on learning and impactful work, the coursework emphasizes critical thinking, problem‑solving and practical project management rooted in integrity and action.

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with an Emphasis in Pre-Med

Offered By

College of Engineering and Technology

Class Settings

Campus

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 130

Campus: 15 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Why Choose This Pre-Med Biomedical Engineering Program?

Our biomedical engineering pre-med emphasis program is built to equip you with the scientific, analytical and engineering skills needed for professional preparation in healthcare. You’ll study within a modern, faith-based environment that brings industry and clinical guidance directly into the classroom.

The program is designed to help you prepare for the MCAT by integrating science, analytical reasoning and data interpretation into engineering contexts. You’ll gain opportunities to strengthen collaboration and communication skills and participate in leadership and advanced learning throughout your academic journey.

Experience Campus Community

Join a vibrant community where research, service and faith intersect. Student clubs, design teams and service opportunities create space to practice boldness, integrity and collaboration. Mentorship and faculty engagement support transformative learning and an entrepreneurial spirit aimed at real patient impact.

Campus Life

Engineering Student Support

On campus, you’ll learn alongside classmates and faculty who support your growth through real-time discussions and hands-on engagement. The in-person experience can help you connect deeply with the material while building meaningful academic relationships. Plus, GCU’s vibrant campus offers a wide range of resources, activities and amenities that enrich student life.

Academic Resources

Affordable Education

GCU offers an affordable private education for campus students, supported by a 17-year tuition freeze that can help provide cost stability as you pursue your degree. Access to scholarships and dedicated academic advising can help you plan a clear path to graduation.

On-Campus Tuition

Coursework

Key Topics in Pre-Med Courses Grounded in Engineering Principles

Gain a strong foundation at the intersection of engineering, health and applied science. These courses introduce core concepts that support both biomedical problem‑solving and preparation for advanced study or the MCAT exam. Each topic offers structured opportunities to build professional communication, teamwork, practical application and ethical decision‑making within a healthcare-focused engineering pathway.

Explore the following core competencies you will study that connect engineering, biology and healthcare to support your pre‑med pathway:

Medical device design and development

Develop foundational abilities in medical device design and prototyping, including understanding materials, biomechanics and regulatory standards like FDA compliance

Biomechanics

Analyze forces, movement and human performance to inform assistive devices and rehabilitation

Data analysis, programming and machine learning

Hands-on proficiency in Python, MATLAB or R for analyzing medical data, imaging or biosignals, embracing AI-driven diagnostics and personalized medicine

Biomedical instrumentation and data acquisition

Work with sensors, transducers and physiological data systems critical for roles involving clinical equipment and emerging digital health technologies

Tissue engineering

Examine cellular environments, scaffolds and regeneration concepts with attention to safety and standards

Integrated foundations

Study the cross between math, natural sciences and computer programming applied to design, testing, documentation and project management

Careers

What Can You Do With a BME: Pre-Med Degree?

This biomedical engineering pre-med degree can help you build engineering, biological and analytical skills that can be applied across many areas of biomedical engineering and health‑technology innovation. It also provides a rigorous foundation for applying to medical school or graduate study in biomedical disciplines.

Graduates may pursue opportunities in fields such as:

Biomedical engineering

Medical device design

Engineering services

Research and development

Quality and regulatory support

Clinical or field engineering

$106,950

Median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers as of May 2024^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Estimated job growth for bioengineers and biomedical engineers from 2024 to 2034^{(See disclaimer 2)}

FAQ

Biomedical Engineering: Pre-Med FAQs

If you’re looking to complete a degree in biomedical engineering for pre-med, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about this option that can also help you prepare for the MCAT.

Is biomedical engineering a good choice for pre-med?

How does the pre-med biomedical engineering program help prepare me for the MCAT?

The pre-med biomedical engineering pathway strengthens your MCAT preparation by teaching the core sciences, such as biology, chemistry, physics and biochemistry, through engineering problem-solving. Courses require you to apply quantitative reasoning, analyze data, interpret graphs and evaluate experimental setups, all of which mirror MCAT skill areas. You’ll also practice critical reading and evidence-based reasoning in design projects and lab work. This program can help build the analytical habits and interdisciplinary understanding that align with the exam’s expectations.

How is biomedical engineering different from biology or a traditional pre-med track?

Biomedical engineering focuses on designing and testing technologies for healthcare, while biology and traditional pre-med pathways center on studying living systems. In BME, you’ll use tools like modeling, programming and prototyping alongside core sciences, creating a more technical, design route into fields related to health. If you’re looking for a more traditional science pathway, you can also explore GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine.

Is a BME: Pre-Med degree worth it?

The BME: Pre-Med degree may be worth it for students who want an engineering foundation while keeping pathways to medicine, industry or research open. It offers a blend of technical rigor and healthcare relevance, emphasizing integrity, problem‑ and purpose-driven learning. You can engage in experiences that support innovation and open the door to multiple academic or professional directions, offering a path for those drawn to purposeful work in healthcare engineering.

What kinds of labs and design experiences are included in the program?

At GCU, students engage in hands-on lab experiences across key areas of biomedical engineering, including biomechanics, instrumentation, imaging and biomaterials, with documentation and safety practices emphasized. These labs emphasize proper documentation, safety practices and professional standards. Through team-based design projects, students apply project management principles, verification and validation processes and structured review to practical engineering challenges. All GCU students — no matter their degree — have access to engineering labs on day one, providing opportunities to apply experiential learning beyond the classroom.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

What skills will I develop that apply to both healthcare and engineering careers?

How does this pre-med biomedical engineering program engage and incorporate AI?

GCU introduces AI as a modern tool for engineering problem-solving, helping you understand how emerging technologies influence biomedical design and data evaluation. You’ll practice using AI in analytical tasks while learning the ethical and professional expectations that guide responsible use in healthcare and engineering settings. The curriculum emphasizes when AI in higher education can support decision‑making and when human expertise, judgment and verification remain essential.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major90 credits

Open Elective Credits0-6 credits

Degree Requirements130 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Required General Education Courses

CHM-113

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This is the first course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for undergraduates pursuing careers in the health professions and others desiring a firm foundation in chemistry. The course assumes no prior knowledge of chemistry and begins with basic concepts. Topics include an introduction to the scientific method, dimensional analysis, atomic structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry and chemical reactions, the gas laws, thermodynamics, chemical bonding, and properties of solutions. Co-Requisite: CHM-113L.

CHM-113L

1 Total Credits

ESG-162

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is founded in the application of mathematics to engineering problems and processes. The course begins with foundations in algebraic manipulation, progresses into trigonometric models, complex numbers, signal processing, introduction to matrices and system equations, differentiation and integration, and differential equations all applied to the solution to engineering problems. Course content cannot be met by a transfer course. Prerequisite: MAT-154. Co-Requisite: ESG-162L.

ESG-162L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

The engineering math labs are the hands on applications of the foundational mathematics concepts applied to engineering problems in the engineering math course. The labs will apply algebra, trigonometry, matrices, differential and integral calculus, and differential equations to various engineering problems. Course content cannot be met by a transfer course. Prerequisite: MAT-154. Co-Requisite: ESG-162.

PSY-102

4 Total Credits

BIO-181

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is a study of biological concepts emphasizing the interplay of structure and function, particularly at the molecular and cellular levels of organization. Cell components and their duties are investigated, as well as the locations of cellular functions within the cell. The importance of the membrane is studied, particularly its roles in controlling movement of ions and molecules and in energy production. The effect of genetic information on the cell is followed through the pathway from DNA to RNA to protein. Co-requisite: BIO-181L.

BIO-181L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This lab course is designed to reinforce principles learned in BIO-181 through experiments and activities which complement and enhance understanding of macromolecules, cell membrane properties, cellular components, and their contribution to cell structure and function. Assignments are designed to relate cellular processes such as metabolism, cell division, and the flow of genetic information to cell structure. Co-requisite: BIO-181.

ESG-395

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This is a writing-intensive course that covers the basics of managing an engineering project, including: project planning, initiating of the project, implementation of the project plan, and completion of the project. Students will learn how to pitch their idea for funding, both in written form and in oral form, as well as how to prepare a formal written funding proposal. The class will cover the basics of engineering economics and introduce how this topic is covered on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Throughout the semester, the students will use the management and economic concepts learned to develop a portfolio and proposal for a capstone project to be completed in the following year. Prerequisites: ESG-210 and ESG-220 or SWE-320.

SOC-102

4 Total Credits

Core Courses

CHM-115

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This is the second course in a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for undergraduates pursuing careers in the health professions and others desiring a firm foundation in chemistry. Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to demonstrate knowledge and/or skill in solving problems involving the principles of chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and thermodynamics; understanding chemical reactions using kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics; comparing and contrasting the principal theories of acids and bases; solving equilibrium involving acids, bases, and buffers; describing solubility equilibrium; describing terms associated with electrochemistry and solving problems associated with electrochemistry; and describing the fundamentals of nuclear chemistry. Prerequisites: CHM-113 and MAT-154 or higher. Co-Requisite: CHM-115L.

CHM-115L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

The laboratory section of CHM-115 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Experiments include determination of rate law, examples of Le Châtelier’s principle, the use of pH indicators, buffer preparation, experimental determination of thermodynamic quantities, the use of electrochemical cells, and qualitative and quantitative analysis. Prerequisites: CHM-113L and MAT-154 or higher. Co-Requisite: CHM-115.

MAT-262

4 Total Credits

ESG-111

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces students to the basics of computer programming. Students will learn to develop algorithms to solve engineering problems, and the implementation of those algorithms in the C language. This course will include using C program for embedded devices for interacting with the world around them. Topics include assembly language, C programming language, and real time programming. MATLAB will be taught in the course to introduce students to rapid development tools and allow for flexibility in prototyping. Concepts of Object Oriented (OO) programming will be included in the MATLAB section of this course. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in lecture and on gaining initial exposure to common microcontrollers. Prerequisites: ESG-162 and ESG-162L or MAT-261.

ESG-210

2 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces the fundamentals of the engineering design methodology and the product development process.. Students will learn the importance of listening to the voice of the customer and how to incorporate those desires into a product using design for X principles. Students will develop verification and validation tests and learn how those become formalized qualification or acceptance processes. Prerequisites: ESG-162 and ESG-162L or MAT-154 or higher subsequent math course.

ESG-220

2 Total Credits

MAT-264

4 Total Credits

PHY-121

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is a calculus-based study of basic concepts of physics, including motion; forces; energy; the properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and heat and thermodynamics. The mathematics used includes algebra, trigonometry, and vector analysis. A primary course goal is to build a functional knowledge that allows students to more fully understand the physical world and to apply that understanding to other areas of the natural and mathematical sciences. Conceptual, visual, graphical, and mathematical models of physical phenomena are stressed. Students build critical thinking skills by engaging in individual and group problem-solving sessions. Prerequisite: MAT-262 or higher. Co-Requisite: PHY-121L.

PHY-121L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This calculus-based course utilizes lab experimentation to practice concepts of physical principles introduced in the PHY-121 lecture course. Students are able to perform the proper analysis and calculations to arrive at the correct quantifiable result when confronted with equations involving gravity, sound, energy, and motion. Prerequisite: MAT-262 or higher. Co-Requisite: PHY-121.

ESG-251

2 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces students to the basics of computer-aided design. Students will learn to produce great designs using computer-aided design software. Topics include 2-D and 3-D design and modeling, mechanical tolerances, and electrical and mechanical design integration. Hands-on activities focus on the design and integration of different subsystems, electrical and mechanical. Prerequisites: ESG-162 and ESG-162L.

ESG-374

2 Total Credits

PHY-122

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This calculus-based course is the second in a 1-year introductory physics sequence. In this course, the basics of three areas in physics are covered, including electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. The sequence of topics includes an introduction to electric and magnetic fields. This is followed by the nature of light as an electromagnetic wave and topics associated with geometric optics. The final topic discussed in the course is quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: PHY-121 and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122L.

PHY-122L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This course utilizes lab experimentation to practice concepts of physical principles introduced in the PHY-122 lecture course. Some of the topics students understand and analyze involve the relationship between electric charges and insulators/conductors, magnetism in physics, energy transformations in electric circuits, the relationship between magnetism and electricity, and how they relate to the medical industry. Prerequisites: PHY-121 and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122.

MAT-364

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on solutions and qualitative study of linear systems of ordinary differential equations, and on the analysis of classical partial differential equations. Topics include first- and second-order equations; series solutions; Laplace transform solutions; higher order equations; Fourier series; second-order partial differential equations. Boundary value problems, electrostatics, and quantum mechanics provide the main context in this course. Prerequisite: MAT-253 or MAT-264.

ESG-260

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focus is on the analysis of two- and three-dimensional forces on a system in an equilibrium (static) state. Further, it discusses real world applications for static analyses via simple trusses, frames, machines, and beams. Additional topics covered include properties of areas, second moments, internal forces in beams, laws of friction, and static simulation in Solidworks. Prerequisite: PHY-121, PHY-121L, ESG-251.

EEE-202

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides students with a strong foundation in core areas of electrical engineering. Students will learn the main ideas of circuits and their enabling role in electrical engineering components, devices, and systems. The course offers in-depth coverage of AC & DC circuits, circuit analysis, filters, impedance, power transfer, applications of Laplace transforms, and op-amps. Prerequisites: MAT-262, PHY-121 and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122, PHY-122L, EEE-202L.

EEE-202L

1 Total Credits

CHM-231

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is the first of two organic chemistry courses. The first half of this course develops the vocabulary and concepts of chemical bonding, chemical structure, acid-base principles, and nomenclature needed to understand properties and reactions of organic compounds. The second half of this course discusses chemical reactions, including radical reactions, substitution and elimination reactions, and synthesis and reactions of alkenes. Students learn how to predict reaction products and draw reaction mechanisms. Organic synthesis and structural determination are also covered. Instruction includes lecture and in-class problem solving. Prerequisites: CHM-115 and CHM-115L. Co-requisite: CHM-231L.

CHM-231L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

The laboratory section of CHM-231 reinforces principles learned in the lecture course through various techniques that organic chemists use to synthesize compounds. Students use these techniques throughout the semester. These techniques include determination of melting point, determination of solubility, thin layer chromatography, recrystallization, and distillation. Structural determination using theories discussed in CHM-231 is applied to unknown compounds. Prerequisites: CHM-115 and CHM-115L. Co-requisite: CHM-231.

BIO-182

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is a study of biological concepts emphasizing the interplay of structure and function at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of organization. Relationships of different life forms are studied, noting characteristics and general lifecycles of the different types of organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. Plant structure, function, and reproduction are studied, as well as photosynthesis and plant nutrition. Ecological principles are discussed, including organism interactions at the various ecological levels. Principles of conservation are introduced. Prerequisites: BIO-181 and BIO-181L. Co-Requisite: BIO-182L.

BIO-182L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This lab is designed to reinforce principles learned in BIO-182. Organisms are examined to recognize similarities and differences among different types. Plant structure and processes, including photosynthesis and water transport, are investigated through observation and activities. Concepts of ecology are explored through study of species interactions projects and other activities. Prerequisites: BIO-181 and BIO-181L. Co-Requisite: BIO-182.

BIO-457

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing intensive course provides a comprehensive examination of the principles of heredity and variation, including Mendelian, molecular, and population genetics. Students explore topics such as gene mapping, DNA structure and replication, population genetics, and molecular change. Prerequisites: BIO-181 and BIO-181L, and one of the following: BIO-205, BIO-215, BIO-333, BIO-339, or CHM-115.

CHM-232

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is the second of two organic chemistry courses. The course is organized by common organic functional groups, including alkynes, alcohols, ether, aromatic compounds, ketones and aldehydes, amines, carboxylic acid, and carboxylic acid derivatives. The reactions and properties of each functional group are discussed. Students learn how to predict reaction products, draw reaction mechanisms, and predict physical properties. Instruction includes lecture and in-class problem solving. Prerequisites: CHM-231 and CHM-231L. Co-Requisite: CHM-232L.

CHM-232L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

The laboratory section of CHM-232 supports and extends principles learned in the lecture course. Students carry out various organic syntheses using techniques taught in CHM-231. The experiments include preparation of an alkene from an alcohol, a Grignard reaction, preparation of cinnamaldehyde, nitration of methyl benzoate, synthesis of N-Methyl Prozac, an Aldol reaction, Benzimidazole synthesis, and a Diazonium coupling reaction. Prerequisites: CHM-231 and CHM-231L. Co-requisite: CHM-232.

ESG-384

2 Total Credits

BME-460

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces theory of measurement and analysis from biological systems. It explores the principles and use of transducers, data recording and analysis systems, and signal processing techniques. Students will develop and utilize instrumentation to measure or transmit physiological data using computer based data acquisition. Prerequisites: EEE-202, EEE-202L, and MAT-364.

BME-471

2 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an overview of designing a marketable medical device. Students will design a biomedical system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints. This includes the design process from problem definition through concept design. FDA regulation, human factors, system safety consideration, and medical product liability will be covered. Prerequisite: ESG-395.

ESG-451

2 Total Credits

Course Description

The first capstone is a writing-intensive course that provides students the opportunity to work in teams to tackle real world applied research and design projects in their chosen area of interest. Students develop a project proposal, conduct a feasibility study, learn to protect intellectual property, develop teamwork skills, budgets, and a schedule for completing the project. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revisions. Students use this course to further develop technical writing and business presentation skills. Prerequisite: ESG-395.

BIO-360

3 Total Credits

BIO-360L

1 Total Credits

CHM-360

3 Total Credits

Course Description

The course objective is to survey basic biochemical principles, including the composition, structure, and function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Important biochemical principles include structure-function correlation, chemical reactivity, kinetics and equilibrium, thermodynamics, membrane structure and function, and metabolic energy pathways. The application of biochemical concepts in the medical field is emphasized. Prerequisite: BIO-181, BIO-181L, CHM-231, CHM-231L. Co-Requisite: CHM-360L.

CHM-360L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This laboratory course covers modern biochemical laboratory techniques and their theoretical foundations. Topics include methods for protein, nucleic acid, and lipid isolation and characterization; enzyme assays; chromatography; electrophoresis; and representing and manipulating proteins and nucleic acids. Experiments are designed for hands-on experimentation and students acquire practical techniques currently used in biochemistry laboratories. Prerequisite: BIO-181, BIO-181L, CHM-231, CHM-231L. Co-Requisite: CHM-360.

ESG-452

2 Total Credits

Course Description

The second capstone is a writing intensive course that provides students the opportunity to implement and present the applied research project designed, planned, and started in the first capstone course. The capstone project is a culmination of all the learning experiences in an engineering program. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revision. Prerequisite: ESG-451.

BME-480

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course will explore the fundamentals of Medical Imaging and Image Processing from an engineering prospective. Students will learn the mechanisms behind different imaging modalities. Students will learn how to acquire, read, interpret, and process images generated from radiologic and optical means. Students will receive hands on training in many of the discussed modalities, and will leave the class understanding the factors which can effect the images created. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: BME-460. Co-Requisite: BME-480L.

BME-480L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This course will explore the fundamentals of medical imaging and image processing from an engineering prospective. Students will learn the mechanisms behind different imaging modalities. Students will learn how to acquire, read, interpret, and process images generated from radiologic and optical means. Students will receive hands-on training in many of the discussed modalities, and will leave the class understanding the factors that can affect the images created. Prerequisite: BME-460. Co-Requisite: BME-480.

BME-472

2 Total Credits

BME-465

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course applies the knowledge and skills obtained from BME-460 (Biomedical Instrumentation and Devices & Lab) to measurements of organs and tissues. Clinical instrumentation and therapeutic and prosthetic devices are analyzed according to their design, manufacture and use. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisites: BME-460, BIO-360, and BIO-360L.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers, as of May 2024, retrieved March 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as bioengineers and biomedical engineers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers, retrieved March 2026.
Labs include GCU’s metal shop, wood shop, 3D printing areas and La Bell labs. This does not include labs in classroom environments.

Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering: Pre-Med Emphasis

Step 1: Educational Interests

Design Biomedical Solutions That Advance Patient Care

Why Choose This Pre-Med Biomedical Engineering Program?

Key Topics in Pre-Med Courses Grounded in Engineering Principles

What Can You Do With a BME: Pre-Med Degree?

Earn Your BME Degree From an Accredited University

Biomedical Engineering: Pre-Med FAQs

Program Curriculum

General Education Requirements

Required General Education Courses

Core Courses